Chatting with Vanessa Speer, the woman behind fashion jewellery brand Diva
There’s nothing like a statement accessory to make your outfits pop, and that’s a motto Vanessa Speer lives by. After all, she has helped to grow accessories retail store Diva into a wildly popular household name today. We visited her sprawling home in Singapore to get an inside look at the world of this sophisticated super-woman, wife of Brett Blundy (one of Australia’s wealthiest businessmen who established the Diva and Lovisa brands, amongst others) and mother of two adorable kids. Of course, we couldn’t pass up the chance to ogle at her walk-in wardrobe and drool over her collection of sparkly shiny jewellery too!
Hello, Vanessa! As a busy mum to six-year-old Sam and three-year-old Mia, what’s your secret to keeping balance in your life with your jet-setting lifestyle?
It takes good planning and knowing how to run your life like your business – in a savvy, smart and stylish manner.
You look gorgeous and are positively glowing today. Who or what inspires you to keep going?
People who are excited about life, who make the most of every moment and help themselves and ultimately help others too.
Your family took a big leap and moved to Singapore from Australia six months ago, and we hope you are loving your time here! Tell us what you think our best-kept secret is.
Sunday Breakfast at the Capella. They have a beautiful pool and yummy food. The kids love it and so do mum and dad!
What is your parenting style, and what do you love most about being a mum?
My style is a work in progress! I am learning to let our children feel they have the control and use good choices to help the decisions become easy for them and the right one for all of us. My favourite thing is being a kid again with Sam and Mia and looking at things through their world. Also getting the best hugs and kisses and being loved absolutely unconditionally, it doesn’t get any better.
My son Sam has had lots of difficulties with his health for allergies, asthma and hearing which has affected his learning and confidence. You listen to so many experts and doctors and the biggest thing I have learnt is go with your gut, you know your child better than anyone and this has really been the case for us.
I know it’s a new word that is being thrown out there a lot but resilience, we want our kids to be able to get back up again with whatever life throws at them, they will have to cope with many new stresses that we have not had to when they are older and need to be prepared emotionally. Respect for people and themselves and confidence.
What is your most indulgent experience so far on our sunny shores?
The Auriga Spa & Wellness at the Capella. They’re amazing and only use natural, organic products in their treatments.
What’s your favourite time of the day?
Sunset, because it’s the time when you see many colours paint the sky so beautifully.
Whether it’s date night or catching up with your girl pals, what do you never leave home without?
My cream blusher and lipgloss.
Sam and Mia are pretty energetic kids, we reckon. What’s your favourite kids’ activity in Singapore?
Everything that happens on Sentosa! We are there every weekend and visit places like Port of Lost Wonder (POLW), Adventure Cove or the Luge – whatever it is, we just love it!
What are your go-to places for kids’ clothes in Singapore?
Forum the Shopping Mall and United Square. They have excellent collections of clothes that are comfy and durable.
Quality time with your littlies is precious. What’s your favourite kid-friendly restaurant in Singapore?
My pick is Shangri-La Hotel – they have a delectable Sunday brunch.
And while we’re still on the topic of food: tell us your favourite kids’ recipe and share it with us!
The only thing I can cook is “Vanessa special rice”, and thankfully my kids absolutely love it. It’s quick and easy and you can change it up! Melt butter in a saucepan and cook a cup’s worth of risoni until it’s brown. Then add rice and boiling water and cook it until all water is absorbed. Throw in prawns, salmon, or chicken (and whatever veggies you have), and you get a hearty, simple meal for the kids.
If you wrote a book, what would it be called?
Blimey, this is a hard one! I don’t know what it would be called but it would be a diary of my everyday life with snippets of the funny things Sam and Mia do and say. Years later, I can look back on these moments and laugh at their silly antics.
If you could be any cartoon character, who would it be and why?
Winnie the Pooh, because my son sleeps holding on tight to him every single night.
If there was only one thing you could do each day with your kids, what would it be?
Read them a book and tuck them into bed. I find that you get them to really talk to you at this time, as they will do anything not to go to sleep.
Thanks for chatting with us, Vanessa! May we borrow everything in your wardrobe, please?